Killer: Shark is spotted by frightened residents in Florida back garden (Photo: YouTube)

The houses have gardens which back directly onto the water, but it's not often sharks venture so close to the properties.

Swimming alongside the concrete wall, the creature is almost close enough to touch - and you certainly wouldn't want to be dangling your legs in the water when it glides past.

The clip, originally uploaded to Facebook and YouTube by NBC-2 News, doesn't identify the man who filmed the video but quotes him as being upset with the "irresponsible behaviour of some" that is "attracting sharks and endangering all."

He does not elaborate on what he means by "irresponsible behaviour" although some news sites have suggested residents could have been baiting the sharks to the area by offering them food.